Visiting Hours: Part of A Homemaker’s Daily Rhythm

A long time ago, in a slower time, there was such a thing as “visiting hours”.

(See my original post on Instagram, complete with helpful community comments.)

Maybe today we call it a play date? At least for mamas with little ones! But the thing I find most intriguing about “calling” hours is the daily activities that surround it and leave a natural spot for it.

For years I’ve had problems keeping the house clean. Four little kids…farm…it’s just usually a mess. And if someone were to “drop by” for a visit I would be horrified.

Let me share something I read regarding visiting hours.

A long time ago, all women were basically keeping their home, and they all had the same chores to attend to. In the mornings, the chores were done. Everyone knew that, so everyone was busy.

Then, in the afternoon, after lunch, and while the house was picked up from the chores, the woman could sit down with her sewing or reading…while the children were being quiet for “rest time”. This rest time was visiting time!

Now if a guest popped in, the house was picked up, chores were done, and there was just enough lull in the day before dinner had to be started.

Of course, guests only stayed an hour or two at the most—because both ladies had to get home to start evening chores and prepare for their husbands to come home for supper.

Doesn’t that sound lovely?

I say let’s bring back visiting hours! Or at least the concept surrounding it.

I’ve written some encouragement to help us get started as a hospitable hostess —and how to be a thoughtful guest, too!

Now of course…I still have visitors come over in the morning, not during the afternoon lull. This is not my rule or anything…just fyi. I just thought this was a fun old fashioned concept that has been lost.

What do you think? Are you a good hostess? A good guest? Maybe you’ve never thought of these things? Let us know!

Photo: Nov 1966 Minerva Abbott and Darthula…sisters having a visit in Townsend, TN. Their father’s family helped settle Tuckaleechee Cove, which became Townsend.